I Will Never Use An Egg Carton To Hatch In Again

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I decided to try using an egg carton in the hatcher this time as I had alot of eggs and didnt want the chicks rolling the eggs around. I cut the bottoms out of the tray and placed the eggs in it. The chicks started hatching alright but I found several got stuck in the egg still in the carton. Then one really large egg the chick zipped and could not get out of the carton he was stuck upside down and kept peeping. I kept trying to see who was making all the noise. I finally took the top of the incubator off and found this poor little guy stuck upside down. I quickly took him out and placed him on a damp paper towel. As soon as the egg was clear of the carton he pushed himself out of the egg. I also had 2 splay legs this time because they were not on a flat surface. It did keep the eggs from rolling around but I had to intervene too many times to help the chicks stuck in the carton wholes. Next time I will go back to laying the eggs on the flat surface.

 

[paddock36]

I tried the egg carton method too and just didn't like it, so I just lay them on their sides.

 

[SeaHen]

Thank you both for posting and I'm sorry for your experiences. I'm just starting to build my own incubator and was planning to use an egg carton with bottoms cut out for the hatching eggs. I won't be doing that now!

 

[Mahonri]

I've always used modified egg cartons without problems. I cut them way short just so they are big enough to hold the egg at an angle. Like I said, no problems.

Sounds like you didn't cut your cartons down enough.

 

[Ga.chickenman]

I also use egg flats (2 1/2 doz. ones) never had a problem

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Carton method worked well for me

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
Yup, I agree. Ive always used them without any problems.

 

[Sweetfolly]

I always use egg cartons for my big duck eggs (with the sides cut down a bit) and I've never had a problem.

 

[eggsited chickens]

I've used it too, and it worked great. I cut them down to 1/2 or more their original height

 

[AHappychick]

I use the foam cartons for that I feel like the cardboard ones would absorb moisture. sometimes I do get a sticky egg stuck but not too often.